GOP Legislative Leaders Reject Tax Increase Plan

November 16, 2018 By

FILE – In this Aug. 16, 2018, file photo, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock speaks at the Des Moines Register Soapbox during a visit to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. Motivated by an urgency to unseat President Donald Trump and the prospect of a historically large primary field, Democrats see little incentive to delay or downplay their 2020 presidential hopes. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Republican legislative leaders are rejecting a proposal by Montana Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. The proposal would raise taxes on tobacco, liquor, rental cars and hotel rooms to help pay for state programs.Senate President Scott Sales of Bozeman and Majority Leader Fred Thomas of Stevensville say there’s enough money coming into state coffers to take care of government needs without raising taxes.

Republicans also pushed back against continuing Medicaid expansion. They say there are concerns that some people are unfairly taking advantage of the program.